501.BC Kashmir/9–148: Airgram
The Chargé in Pakistan (Lewis) to the Secretary of State
A–352. In a conversation with a representative of the Embassy, Akhtar Hussain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, declared that Pakistan would support vigorously Hyderabad’s case if it were to be considered by the Security Council or General Assembly. Hussain did not indicate whether or not Pakistan would act as sponsor for Hyderabad, although the Embassy’s representative did not put this question to him directly. Hussain emphasized the fact that his Government feels there is a close relation between the Kashmir and Hyderabad problems. Pakistan is inclined to think that it would gain considerable advantage in the [Page 374] Kashmir dispute if India’s arguments in the two cases could be placed side by side. He also remarked on the obvious military relationship of the two problems as far as India was concerned and expressed the opinion that if Hyderabad was out of the way “India would not allow the UNCIP to set foot again in India”. Hussain reiterated the fear that India’s first step in Hyderabad would be the complete liquidation of the Muslim minority which would be accompanied by wide anti-Muslim outbreaks in the rest of the Dominion.